Ground Floor Government

PhoneLive.io

Ground Floor Government is the podcast for the people who make local government work—behind the scenes. Hosted by David Plappert, founder of PhoneLive.io, this show gives city and county clerks, IT leads, communication pros, and public servants their time at the mic. ㅤ Each week, we dig into what really keeps cities and counties running—last-minute meeting prep, tech shifts, team leadership, and the quiet but essential work of transparency and public service. If you’ve ever hit publish on a public notice, stayed late to prep a meeting, or solved a problem no one even saw coming, this show is for you.

  1. 1d ago

    How Working Out Led to Working In Local Government (with Nancy Sarieh) | Ep. 136

    Summary In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Nancy Sarieh, the Public Information Officer for Lodi, California. Nancy shares her unconventional journey into local government, highlighting the dynamic nature of her role, the challenges of budget constraints, and the importance of strategic communication. She discusses impactful community projects, the necessity of building a support network, and her passion for public communication. Nancy also provides valuable advice for those considering a career in local government, emphasizing the importance of understanding city roles and responsibilities. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Working in local government can be unexpectedly rewarding.Nancy's journey reflects the diverse paths into public service.Every day in public information brings new challenges.Community engagement is crucial for successful projects.Budget constraints require creativity and collaboration.Strategic communication is essential for public trust.Building a support network is vital for success.Public communication requires clarity and transparency.Understanding city roles helps navigate local government.Aspiring local government employees should research and engage. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  2. 3d ago

    Navigating Local Government Careers (with Jordan Cook) | Ep. 135

    Summary In this episode, Jordan Cook, City Administrator of Nevada, Iowa, shares his journey into local government, discussing the adaptability of career paths in this field. He highlights the challenges and successes faced in governance, including a notable community project that positively impacted local quality of life. Jordan emphasizes the importance of communication skills and teamwork in navigating the complexities of local administration. He concludes with valuable advice for those considering a career in local government. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Career paths in local government can be diverse and adaptable.A passion for public administration can stem from unexpected experiences.Every day in local government presents new challenges.Community projects can have a lasting positive impact.Effective communication is crucial in local governance.Teamwork and collaboration are essential for success.Understanding community needs is key to effective governance.Patience is necessary in the slow-moving world of government.It's important to focus on the community as a whole, not just individuals.Connecting with others in the field can provide valuable insights. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  3. 5d ago

    From Nonprofit to Government (with Shara Dee) | Ep. 134

    Summary In this episode, Hugh Plappert interviews Shara Dee, the first communications officer for South Portland, Maine. They discuss the unexpected opportunities in local government communications, Shara's journey from nonprofit to municipal work, and the challenges of building a communications office from scratch. The conversation covers the balance between proactive and reactive communication strategies, the importance of engaging the community through creative content, and the unique challenges of communicating with diverse audiences. Shara shares her passion for community engagement and offers advice for those considering a career in local government. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Many careers start in corporate or nonprofit sectors before transitioning to local government.Shara Dee's background in photography and theater influenced her communication style.Building relationships with department heads is crucial for effective communication.The growth of government communicators in Maine has fostered collaboration.Balancing B2C and B2B communication is essential for economic development.Proactive communication is prioritized, but reactive communication is also necessary.Creative content can significantly engage the community.Limited resources require innovative solutions in local government communications.Communicating effectively with diverse audiences is a key challenge.Passion for community service drives professionals in local government. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  4. Oct 23

    A Career in Civic Tech (with Marcus Townsend) | Ep. 133

    Summary In this conversation, Marcus Townsend shares his journey into web development, emphasizing the importance of community service and networking within local government. He discusses the challenges of implementing accessibility in web projects and the satisfaction he derives from serving his community. Townsend also highlights the role of associations like NAGWA in fostering professional growth and collaboration among government web professionals. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Marcus's journey into web development began in high school.He transitioned from various roles before settling in local government.Networking through NAGWA has been invaluable for support and resources.Accessibility in web development is crucial but often misunderstood.Job satisfaction comes from serving the community and making a difference.Internal development can save time and resources for local governments.Collaboration with other professionals enhances problem-solving capabilities.Associations provide a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences.Community service is a core value that drives Marcus's career choices.Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in the tech field. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  5. Oct 21

    Unlocking Local Government Careers (with Monique Carter) | Ep. 132

    Summary In this episode, Monique Carter shares her journey in local government, highlighting the importance of finding the right position and contributing to the community. She discusses her role in marketing and economic development, the challenges of navigating unexpected situations, and the creative strategies employed to engage citizens. Monique emphasizes the value of communication skills, the balance between creativity and compliance, and the opportunities available within local government careers. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways You can find yourself in local government.Monique's journey began at Enterprise Rent A Car.Her role is to be the resident explainer.Local government work involves both proactive and reactive tasks.Engaging citizens is crucial for effective communication.Success stories in business development are collaborative efforts.Creativity can thrive even within budget constraints.AI is being explored for effective communication.Communication skills are essential for navigating complex conversations.Local government offers diverse career opportunities. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  6. Oct 19

    Crisis Communications and Public Relations (with Hope Boyd) | Ep. 131

    Summary In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert speaks with Hope Boyd, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer in Cleburne, Texas. They discuss Hope's journey from news to local government, the challenges and rewards of crisis communications, and the importance of clear messaging in public relations. Hope shares insights on balancing budget constraints with creative communication strategies, the various roles within city operations, and the significance of marketing city services to the community. They also compare the benefits of working in local government versus news, and encourage listeners to consider careers in public service. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Hope Boyd transitioned from news to local government communications.Every job prepares you for the next opportunity.Crisis communications are essential in public relations.Public interest can vary greatly from city to city.Budget constraints challenge creative communication efforts.Clear communication helps mitigate rumors and misinformation.Cities offer diverse career paths and opportunities for growth.Local government jobs provide stability and benefits like pensions.Marketing city services is crucial for community engagement.Internships and shadowing can provide valuable exposure to local government. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  7. Oct 16

    From Ceramics to Communications (with Jake Zeigler) | Ep. 130

    Summary In this conversation, Jake Zeigler, Communication Manager for Effingham County, Georgia, shares his journey from the private sector to local government. He discusses the unique challenges and responsibilities of communication in government, the importance of community engagement, and the need for effective communication strategies. Jake emphasizes the significance of understanding public interest and adapting communication methods to meet the needs of citizens. He also provides valuable advice for those considering a career in local government, highlighting the diverse opportunities available and the importance of reaching out to local agencies. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Finding the right job in local government can lead to long-term career growth.Transitioning from the private sector to public service can be fulfilling.Building a communications department requires understanding community needs.Effective communication in government is crucial for public trust.Engaging the community can be challenging but is essential for local government.Budget constraints impact communication strategies in local government.Understanding the audience is key to effective communication.ADA compliance is important in government communications.Local government offers diverse career opportunities across various fields.Passion for helping others drives success in public service. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  8. Oct 14

    From Farm to Government (with Terry Bell) | Ep. 129

    Summary In this engaging podcast episode, Terry Bell, the County Executive of Warren County, Tennessee, shares his journey from farming to local government. He discusses innovative solutions he implemented to improve community services without raising taxes, the importance of effective communication and conflict resolution in governance, and offers valuable advice for those considering a career in local government. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of public service, emphasizing the need for creativity and collaboration in addressing community needs. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Terry Bell transitioned from farming to local government.He emphasizes the importance of community representation.Innovative budgeting allowed for teacher pay raises without tax increases.Effective communication is crucial in navigating government challenges.Public education about government roles is often necessary.Terry's county bought a mall to house a new health department.He values employee welfare and offers free health clinics.Conflict resolution skills are essential for a county executive.Local government can be a rewarding career path.New employees should learn from experienced colleagues. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

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About

Ground Floor Government is the podcast for the people who make local government work—behind the scenes. Hosted by David Plappert, founder of PhoneLive.io, this show gives city and county clerks, IT leads, communication pros, and public servants their time at the mic. ㅤ Each week, we dig into what really keeps cities and counties running—last-minute meeting prep, tech shifts, team leadership, and the quiet but essential work of transparency and public service. If you’ve ever hit publish on a public notice, stayed late to prep a meeting, or solved a problem no one even saw coming, this show is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    PhoneLive.io
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    137
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 PhoneLive.io
  • Show Website
    Ground Floor Government